2020-21 Catalog (Archived Catalog)
Agriculture Production Technology
Agriculture Production Technology - Certificate (A14)
Students interested in production agriculture with an emphasis on agricultural technology should consider the Agricultural Production Technology certificate. Graduates of this program may become employed as farm operators, herdsmen, equipment operators, or general farmhands.
Work and Employment
This program prepares students for positions as assistant managers, farm operators, equipment operators, or general farmhands. Practical, hands-on experience will be emphasized.
Follow this link for career information.
Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
- Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
- Kevin M. Larsen, Assistant Professor of Agriculture, 815-835-6279
- Jeff Johnson, Multicraft Instructor, 815-835-6279
Total Hours Required - 29 Hours
Major Field Requirements
AGR109 - Soil Science ( 4 Semester Hours)
An introduction to the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils; the origin, classification, and distribution of soils and their influence on people and food production; the management and conservation of soils; and the environmental impact of soil use. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG904 Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, /2 lab hours/weekAGR116 - Animal Science ( 4 Semester Hours)
The application of the sciences of genetics, physiology and nutrition to the improvement of the animal industries and an introduction to management and production practices. Includes animal breeds, breeding and selection, products and marketing; production technology and economics; animal behavior; and current issues in animal science. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG902 Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec,/2 lab hours/weekAGR130 - Intro to Agr Mechanics ( 4 Semester Hours)
An introduction to agricultural power (engines, hydraulics, calibrations, and agricultural equipment), agricultural electrification and applications (circuits, motors, and controls), agricultural structures (plans, loads, construction materials and layout and design), metal fabrication and soil and water conservation (surveying, mapping, drainage and conservation structures). Prerequisite: None Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG906 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/2 lab/weekAGR150 - Intro to Ag Bus Management ( 4 Semester Hours)
Organization and structure of agricultural businesses; resource evaluation, policy development and implementation, functions of management, and laws and taxes that affect business. 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/weekAGR199 - Ag Issues & Perceptions ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course is designed to increase the understanding, awareness, and critical analysis of today's top agricultural issues and their impact upon the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of society. Agricultural issues include, but are not limited to: environment, animal welfare, crop production, biotechnology, trade and policy, water quality and a changing consumer attitude towards agriculture and food production. Students will be able to discuss and inform on topics both in a written and oral format after competition of course. Course is designed to include weekly on-line readings, weekly discussion board postings, and viewing of topic videos and/or expert testimony videos. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/weekAGR201 - Plant Science ( 4 Semester Hours)
This introductory course covers the basic principles of plant growth including human and environmental influences and the theoretical and practical application of agronomic principles to crop production. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG903 Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec,/2 lab hours/weekCIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)
This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems and communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite: None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take OAS 103-Keyboarding. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/weekUAS101 - Intro to Unmanned Aircraft Sys ( 3 Semester Hours)
An introduction to small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and preparation for the FAA's Part 107 (Remote Pilot) exam. This course does not require previous experience with remote-controlled aircraft. Safety, control, and basic maneuvers are key elements. Quadcopters are the focus with particular attention to their use in agricultural business. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec. 2 lab/week
Suggested Program
First Semester - 15 Hours
AGR116 - Animal Science ( 4 Semester Hours)
The application of the sciences of genetics, physiology and nutrition to the improvement of the animal industries and an introduction to management and production practices. Includes animal breeds, breeding and selection, products and marketing; production technology and economics; animal behavior; and current issues in animal science. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG902 Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec,/2 lab hours/weekAGR150 - Intro to Ag Bus Management ( 4 Semester Hours)
Organization and structure of agricultural businesses; resource evaluation, policy development and implementation, functions of management, and laws and taxes that affect business. 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/weekAGR201 - Plant Science ( 4 Semester Hours)
This introductory course covers the basic principles of plant growth including human and environmental influences and the theoretical and practical application of agronomic principles to crop production. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG903 Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec,/2 lab hours/weekUAS101 - Intro to Unmanned Aircraft Sys ( 3 Semester Hours)
An introduction to small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and preparation for the FAA's Part 107 (Remote Pilot) exam. This course does not require previous experience with remote-controlled aircraft. Safety, control, and basic maneuvers are key elements. Quadcopters are the focus with particular attention to their use in agricultural business. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec. 2 lab/week
Second Semester - 14 Hours
AGR109 - Soil Science ( 4 Semester Hours)
An introduction to the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils; the origin, classification, and distribution of soils and their influence on people and food production; the management and conservation of soils; and the environmental impact of soil use. 4 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG904 Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, /2 lab hours/weekAGR130 - Intro to Agr Mechanics ( 4 Semester Hours)
An introduction to agricultural power (engines, hydraulics, calibrations, and agricultural equipment), agricultural electrification and applications (circuits, motors, and controls), agricultural structures (plans, loads, construction materials and layout and design), metal fabrication and soil and water conservation (surveying, mapping, drainage and conservation structures). Prerequisite: None Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): AG906 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/2 lab/weekAGR199 - Ag Issues & Perceptions ( 3 Semester Hours)
This course is designed to increase the understanding, awareness, and critical analysis of today's top agricultural issues and their impact upon the social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of society. Agricultural issues include, but are not limited to: environment, animal welfare, crop production, biotechnology, trade and policy, water quality and a changing consumer attitude towards agriculture and food production. Students will be able to discuss and inform on topics both in a written and oral format after competition of course. Course is designed to include weekly on-line readings, weekly discussion board postings, and viewing of topic videos and/or expert testimony videos. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/weekCIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)
This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems and communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite: None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take OAS 103-Keyboarding. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week